Michigan, once regarded as one of the most industrially influential states in the union, has been reduced to its current drab condition. It makes me sad as a citizen and fourth-generation Michigan family member to see the economic downturn that has resulted from years of neglect from the state government, as well as the unions. The economic outlook is bleak at best for Michigan. It has been in a recession for years, while the rest of the country catches up. It maddens me to see the disregard, incompetence and arrogance that is exuded by our “leaders.”
The state government’s inability to observe the southern states — which are becoming the industrial powerhouses in the production and manufacture of cars — are therefore ignoring the laws and policies that have become attractive to global and national automakers. The archaic statutes and policies that have been propping up and supporting the dying unions for years need to be abolished. Right-to-work laws must be enacted. It is sickening and worrying to see the disregard that these major and very important issues are facing. This should be an alert, long overdue, for the government to realize what damage the current codes and laws are causing.
Regarding the union “philosophy” that has become skewed and taken advantage of, one would think Lansing Delta Township’s UAW workers would understand the ramifications that their strike is causing. The country is in a recession, and this is how the workers act? Do they not realize that their overly bloated wages and benefits packages are not only unfair to others, but skew the economics of efficiency? They should be grateful they obtain their current wages, and realize that GM invested millions in a new facility that keeps their positions.
The necessity of unions is over as government regulation has stepped in to take the role of unions and what they inefficiently offer. The government is set up to help the workers with their issues that may arise in the workplace. The unions are dragging down the companies that employ their members with them. Toyota and Honda have been very careful to stay away from the unions and Michigan.
When the UAW contacts these companies, they are careful not to join their ranks. They have an efficient system at these companies — unfortunately, the Big Three cannot enact these globally competitive strategies due to the union theology. I highly desire to see Toyota, Honda and other foreign automotive manufacturers invest in Michigan so it can be a global automobile capital once again. But these potential investors stay away due to the mechanics of the state government. Michigan has so much potential that has yet to be used. It is bottled up, ready for someone to open it. Now if only we could have somebody courageous enough to release it.
Alan Risko
supply chain management freshman
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